The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the reduced electricity allocation to distribution companies (DisCos) to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Friday, the operator said Nigeria’s average available generation currently stands at about 4,300 megawatts (MW), largely due to gas shortages affecting thermal generating stations, which account for the bulk of the country’s power production.
“We hereby notify the general public and all market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4,300MW is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations,” the statement said.
“Given that thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or limitation in gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output.
“Consequently, the current energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) reflects the reduced supply available on the grid.”
According to NISO, operational data shows thermal plants require about 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) of gas daily to operate at full capacity. However, as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply was approximately 692 mmscf per day.
“The available gas supply represents less than 43% of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output,” the operator said.
“The current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the DisCos.”
NISO explained that when generation drops significantly, it is forced to implement load shedding and distribute available electricity according to allocation guidelines set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to maintain grid stability.
The operator apologised for the impact on electricity consumers and said it is working with stakeholders to restore full supply once gas availability improves.
Earlier in February, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced that some power plants could face reduced gas supply due to routine maintenance by Seplat Energy Plc on facilities connected to the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company pipeline network.
